Chamber Business Expo coming in Sept.

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert Biz Expo & Taste of Van Wert County, after selling out of exhibitor space last year with more than 1,000 attendees, returns Thursday, September 22.

Businesses can grow their bottom line and visibility in northwest Ohio at this year’s Expo, all at Wassenberg Art Center, 215 S. Washington St. (U.S. 127), the gateway to downtown Van Wert and the perfect venue to showcase a company’s products and services.

Businesses will have the opportunity to reach key customers, business executives, management, the community at large, and perhaps potential employees. The Chamber will accept exhibitor registrations until Friday, September 16, or until sold out. Last year, the Chamber did sell out earlier than the registration deadline so we encourage early registration to make sure your spot is secured!

The Van Wert Area Biz Expo and Taste of Van Wert County combines the best of both worlds into one event to showcase area businesses.

Here’s a look at the schedule:

2:30-4 p.m. — For exhibitors exclusively: business-to-business connecting, networking and learning, featuring NOW Marketing Group from Elida.

NOW will facilitate interactive networking activities to create opportunities to make and build relationships to grow your client base and generate leads as well as give us the very latest in the rapidly changing social media business best practices.

4:30-7 p.m. — Open (and free) to the public: Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County. Visitors will enjoy free “eats and sweets” from local establishments and a cash bar while visiting the business exhibit booths.

“Moving this event to the Wassenberg was a game changer for us and the businesses that exhibited; the central downtown location of the Wassenberg and the ample parking is inviting to attendees,” said Chamber President/CEO Susan Munroe. “We love presenting this opportunity to our business community. It offers two events in one with the afternoon devoted to stimulating a company’s business to business reach and the early evening to reaching greater Van Wert area consumers.”

Munroe added that exhibitors this year can consider also using this opportunity to reach out to potential employees.

“While this is not officially tagged a ‘job fair,’ why not take advantage of the opportunity to promote the job opportunities at your business,” she noted. “It’s all about connecting with others.”

The Expo will host once again The Taste of Van Wert County, featuring selections from a variety of Van Wert area eateries. Visitors can browse the business exhibits from 4:30-7 p.m. while enjoying free Taste of Van Wert County samples and purchase beverages from the Wassenberg’s cash bar.

The Van Wert Area Biz Expo and Taste of Van Wert County offers exhibitors the opportunity to:

• Exhibit in expanded space at the Wassenberg Art Center, the catalyst for creative expression in northwest Ohio.
• Expand area customer bases in one day with this event.
• Showcase products and services to business customers and consumers.
• Promote job openings at area businesses.
• Make connections and generate leads.
• Increase visibility and build a business’ image.
• Be featured in the Van Wert Area Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County Exhibitor Guide.

The Chamber urges all businesses to secure an exhibit booth today, as space is limited. Booth space includes: a listing in the Biz Expo and Taste of Van Wert County Exhibitor Guide, an 8-foot display table with tablecloth and up to two box lunches. Chamber members may reserve a space for $150, while the non-member rate is $250. The Chamber also invests in multimedia promotion to attract numerous area buyers to assure quality event traffic.

The Chamber is pleased to announce the Premier Sponsors for this event: Central Insurance Companies and Apex Clean Energy. Gold Sponsors include the Culligan, Purmort Brothers Insurance Agency, Vantage Career Center, State Farm Agent Tisha Fast, Alexander & Bebout, Van Wert Manor, First Financial Bank, StateWide Ford Lincoln and Wassenberg Art Center.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the September 22 Van Wert Area Biz Expo and Taste of Van Wert County that offers a “two-in-one” event to reach business owners, executives, employees, and residents in the Van Wert area and surrounding communities.

To reserve an exhibit space or for more information about sponsorships, contact the Chamber at 419.238.4390 or email at chamber@vanwertchamber.com. Businesses can also register online at www.vanwertchamber.com.